Neck and Chin Liposuction

Beware of the Turkey Neck!

Neck and Chin Liposuction – A nice profile with a defined jaw line is desirable for anyone. Unfortunately, some people are just born with a little extra fat under their chin. It is frequently a genetic gift from your parents. There is also a tendency to develop excess fat in the neck as we age.

Liposuction can be a great option for people desiring a more refined neck and jaw line. This is an area that can be more delicate than other areas of liposuction and it is important to seek out the opinion of someone who can offer you several options.

Our medical director is highly trained in facial plastic surgery having performed literally thousands of procedures on the face and neck. Because of this, we consider ourselves a particularly good option for people looking for this kind of neck rejuvenation.

Chin Liposuction – Before & After Photos

See more Chin Liposuction Results

Here is how it works!

With excess fatty tissue in the neck, we most frequently recommend laser liposuction under local, tumescent anesthesia. General anesthesia and IVs are not used. With the tumescent technique, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and the patient remains awake throughout the procedure. Two small incisions are made under the chin (one on each side) for access for a tiny laser fiber which is used to melt fat and tighten skin simultaneously. A very thin cannula is then placed through those same tiny incisions to vacuum away the melted fat.

Here are some other advantages to laser liposuction of the neck:

• Laser liposuction is a safe procedure that reduces fat and tightens skin around chin, lower jaw line and neck.
• The procedure only takes about thirty minutes and recovery time is minimal.
• There is very little discomfort after the procedure. The tiny incisions are hidden well and are not noticeable.
• Most patients return to normal activity and work within 48-72 hours

Neck and Chin Liposuction Risks and Safety: An Honest Look

Liposuction is surgery, and every surgery carries risk. Common, usually temporary effects include bruising, swelling, soreness, and patches of numbness that resolve over weeks to months. Less common risks include contour irregularities, fluid accumulation (seroma), infection, and — in the neck and chin area — temporary tightness under the chin, bruising that travels down the neck as it resolves, and loose skin becoming more visible where elasticity is limited. Rarely, temporary weakness of the small nerve branch that moves the lower lip has been reported with neck liposuction. Rare but serious complications reported with liposuction include lidocaine reactions, blood clots, and fat embolism.

The awake tumescent technique used at Infini avoids general anesthesia entirely, which removes anesthesia-related risks such as adverse reactions to general anesthetics and post-anesthesia complications. Staying awake also means you can reposition on request, helping the surgeon check the jawline and neck contour from every angle. Dr. Hall and Dr. Shuell review your medical history, current medications, and individual risk factors at your consultation — and will tell you candidly if neck and chin liposuction is not the right procedure for you.

For independent information on liposuction risks, see the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ liposuction safety overview and the National Library of Medicine’s liposuction entry (MedlinePlus).

FAQ’s about Neck and Chin Liposuction

Click on each question to reveal the answer.

• What are the benefits of chin/neck laser liposuction?
  • The biggest benefit to laser liposuction of the neck is improving your profile. You can expect the reduction of unwanted fat in the chin region and a better defined jaw line. The laser also creates a tightening effect which can significantly improve hanging skin. Laser liposuction may be an alternative for people who want to avoid a neck or facelifting procedure.
• What should I expect from the procedure?
  • Patients are lightly sedated and the procedure is done under local anesthesia. There is no general anesthesia and there is no need for IVs. Patients are numbed and then two tiny incisions are made below the chin where they are not visible. A very fine laser fiber is then used to melt fat through these tiny incisions. As the fat melts, the skin is stimulated to tighten as well. Once the fat is melted, it is gently suctioned out. The entire procedure takes less than one hour. Patients are not permitted to drive home because of the sedation administered during the procedure and will need to be picked up after the surgery and driven home.
• Am I a good candidate for chin/neck laser liposuction?
  • Tumescent laser liposuction of the chin, jaw and neck is ideal for men and women with a “double chin” who desire more definition of the neck and jawline. We do not believe that laser liposuction is a good option for individuals with significant jowling. For this, patients are advised to consider our Uplift procedure. Anyone who is over the age of 60 may need additional procedures to obtain the desired look. A complimentary consultation with the doctor can address any questions you may have.
• Can chin/neck laser liposuction be combined with other procedures?
  • Absolutely. Tumescent laser liposuction of the chin can be performed at the same time as any other procedure so that you can customize and perfect your problem areas. In addition, the Uplift procedure may be performed at the same time for older patients who may also have significant jowling or neck bands.
• Will the procedure leave scars or excess, sagging skin?
  • Only one or two tiny, well hidden incisions are necessary for the procedure. These incisions heal very quickly and scarring is never an issue. Younger individuals with good skin tone will typically not experience sagging skin after the procedure. This procedure is designed to promote skin tightening as the fat is removed. Unless your skin is already very thin, wrinkled, or lax due to aging or dramatic weight loss, you will usually see an improvement in skin tone and firmness. Older patients and people who experience considerable weight loss may be better served by our Uplift procedure.
• What are the post-surgery side effects?
  • The procedure itself is virtually pain-free and we are often told that the experience is easier than going to the dentist. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately after the procedure and return to work in 2-3 days. All patients need to commit to wearing a compression garment similar to a headband continuously for 72 hours in order to minimize bruising and swelling. Mild swelling and or/bruising is possible but subsides quickly. There are no stitches and the tiny incisions will close up within two days. You can continue to wash and shave your face normally after the first 24 hours.
• What if I do not want to be totally awake during my procedure?
  • We NEVER use general anesthesia for liposuction procedures because we feel it is simply unsafe. However, we do offer the option to do the procedure under “Twilight” which is essentially a slightly stronger form of sedation than the usual relaxing pills we provide for you. This type of sedation is EXTREMELY safe and adds virtually no additional risk the way general anesthesia does. Please let us know if this is something that you wish to discuss.

To learn more about abdominal liposuction, please contact our friendly staff to set up a free consultation with the doctor at 480-800-4501.